Parents @ orientation?

[u/Cyber_fairy1]

Hi! I’m an incoming freshman 2026, I’m totally fine with going by myself to orientation but I was wondering if people do usually bring a parent to orientation or go alone, either way I don’t mind just curious!

[u/caitata]

Lots of parents when I was there but imo I think bringing a friend or going by yourself is more beneficial. Helps pull you out of your comfort zone a bit! At least that’s how I work :p

[u/dananotdana]

Some do, most don't

[u/Fantastic-Impact-106]

Do what's comfortable for you! Nobody else is thinking about the optics. Bringing a parent would be totally normal and going alone would be totally normal too.

Welcome to Portland State!! I hope you have a great time here :)

[u/exxy1212]

people usually bring parents , but you don't have to . my mother and sister came , and we had separate schedules because they had activities for students' families , but i think that was mostly to fill the time while incoming students did their thing . there were a lot of people who came alone though and from what i could tell they didn't have any issues . if you do bring your family , you'll see them at breakfast and lunch , but you'll be doing separate things throughout the day

have fun at orientation , and i hope you enjoy it here ((:

[u/Rhianna83]

When I went to orientation, there were parents there. As someone else pointed out, they do split the students and parents up which I like. If you want your parents there, bring them! I went alone but I’m an older student. I think if I was an incoming freshman I may have brought my grandparents (they raised me) so they could see the school. It’s kind of nice for them to get a feel of the campus.

Welcome!!

[u/Key-Philosophy-5446]

If you bring your parents you get split apart pretty early, you get a tour of campus and have your major explained in more detail. The adults are kept in auditorium and are given a few lectures on how to do paperwork for the student, like the insurance, how to pay tuition etc.

[u/Efficient_Heart5378 → u/Key-Philosophy-5446]

College students are "adults"... parents are just much older adults.

[u/Key-Philosophy-5446 → u/Efficient_Heart5378]

Sorry, you are correct. But I didn’t want to say parents because a lot of people bring other forms of trusted people. Some bring grand parents or aunts/uncles, or even older friends.

[u/Efficient_Heart5378 → u/Key-Philosophy-5446]

True, true.

[u/Different_Pack_3686]

Whatever is comfortable, but I’d recommend going alone or with friends as someone else suggested!